Cargo container cradle

Abstract

A modular cradle for reinforcing, transporting, and stacking cargo containers used in the transportation and storage of bulk cargo in the oil and gas industry so as to allow compliance with construction and shipping standards adopted by the oil and gas industry is disclosed. The cargo cradle is comprised of a rectangular frame for holding and supporting a cargo container. The cradle has attached lifting lugs positioned within the interior of the cargo cradle for attachment of lifting cables. The lifting lugs are positioned so as to allow cradles to be stacked one upon the other. The container cradles interlock when stacked.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to the transportation and storage of bulk goods and, more particularly, relates to a support frame for support and storing bulk cargo containers and baskets that will comply with standards for strength and structural integrity adopted by the oil and gas industries.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0002]Bulk packaging containers are used for storage and shipment of bulk goods and equipment and such containers are particularly practical for use in the offshore oil and gas industry. Equipment has typically been moved to and from offshore oil and gas installations and drilling sites in baskets and containers of many different sizes and shapes.[0003]The baskets typically utilized are normally fabricated with an open top and, more often than not, are randomly sized depending upon the designs and specifications of the company building and selling the basket. The containers typically utilized are closed in on all sides including the top and usually have ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]It is an object of this invention to provide a cradle that will allow the units to be stacked one upon the other. This will allow more efficient use of boat space when delivering cargo to and from an offshore platform as well as make more efficient use of the platform space which is typically limited. Consequently, the cradle will allow fewer trips to and from the platform and thereby reduce the cost of transportation. The cost of cradled containers is relatively insignificant when compared to the hourly rates of workboats.

[0016]Use of the cradle in combination with lockable non-certified containers will prevent or reduce the incidence of tampering or theft of the equipment and increase the likelihood that container will arrive at the desired location with the contents intact and as originally shipped. This will help to eliminate the cost and expense associated with missing parts, equipment, or at the offshore location.

Problems solved by technology

Further, the incidence of accidents involving lifting units have prompted many of the world's offshore a companies to rethink and retool their equipment.

These smaller units also present some problems as manufacturers often ignore standardization requirements and safety concerns in the choice of the material and construction methods employed in production of the units.

Further, there is a proliferation of equipment previously manufactured and used that does not necessarily comply with the strength and size requires currently being adopted.

These problems may result in the inadvertent or unavoidable use of containers of different sizes and strength capabilities and as a result, their use may increase the risk of injury associated with the handling, lifting, loading, unloading, and transportation of these smaller units.

One is to implement and enforce standardized specifications for such containers that would ultimately result in increased shipping expenses due to the necessity of discarding or abandoning those containers currently being used.

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